Health Info

Tricuspid Valve Disease

Definition

Tricuspid valve disease refers to damage to the tricuspid heart valve. This valve is located between the atrium (upper chamber) and the ventricle (lower pumping chamber) of the right side of the heart. The tricuspid valve has three cusps, or flaps, that control the direction and flow of blood.

The two main types of tricuspid valve disease are:

Tricuspid stenosis—narrowing of the tricuspid valve

Tricuspid regurgitation—backflow of blood into the atrium from the ventricle due to improper closing of the tricuspid valve flaps

Your heart's electrical
activity may need to be measured. This can be done with
electrocardiogram
(ECG, EKG).

Your heart's activity during exercise may be measured. This can be done with a cardiac stress test.

Treatment

If you have mild tricuspid valve disease, your condition will need to be monitored, but may not need treatment right away. When symptoms become more severe, treatments may include:

Medications

Medications may be prescribed to treat specific symptoms associated with tricuspid valve disease. These medications include:

Medications may be prescribed to treat specific symptoms associated with tricuspid valve disease. These medications include:

Diuretics to promote the production of urine

Vasodilators, which dilate blood vessels

Surgery

If tricuspid valve disease is causing severe problems, surgery to repair or replace the valve may be required.

If tricuspid valve disease is causing severe problems, surgery to repair or replace the valve may be required.

Prevention

Tricuspid valve disease cannot be prevented. But, there are several things you can do to try to avoid some of the complications:

Treat
strep throat
infections right away to avoid rheumatic fever, which can cause scarring of the heart valve.

If your valve problem was caused by rheumatic fever, talk to your doctor about antibiotic treatment to prevent future episodes.

Most people with a tricuspid valve defect do
not
need to take antibiotics to prevent infections before dental or medical procedures. But, there are exceptions. Check with your doctor to see if your condition requires you take antibiotics.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.